Opening Context: Minimum vs Median Wage
When it comes to pay in New Zealand, two numbers matter most: the minimum wage and the median wage. The minimum wage is the lowest legal pay an employer can offer — in 2025, NZD $23.15 per hour (≈NZD $48,150 annually on a 40-hour week). The median wage is the midpoint of all wages — half of workers earn below it, half above. In 2025, that sits at about NZD $31.50 per hour (≈NZD $65,500 annually). Immigration New Zealand uses the median wage as a marker: jobs paying below it often don’t qualify for fast-track residency, while jobs above may.
Why Low-Paid Jobs Still Matter for Migrants
Despite limited residency pathways, thousands of migrants take up low-paid work every year. For many, these jobs serve as:
- Stepping stones — A way to enter New Zealand, gain work experience, and build connections.
- Short-term opportunities — Some come from the Pacific Islands to work a few orchard or seafood seasons, then return home to buy land or a house.
- Cultural experiences — Hospitality roles appeal to working holidaymakers who want to travel and immerse themselves in Kiwi life.
Because most people in these jobs don’t seek residency, Immigration NZ doesn’t regulate them as tightly. Employers benefit from flexibility, while migrants use them for income, adventure, or financial goals back home.
Bottom-Rung Job Categories
1. Hospitality & Food Services
- Roles: Waitstaff, bartenders, kitchen hands, café assistants.
- Pay Band: NZD $23–25/hr.
- Migrant Share: ~35–40% in tourism hubs.
- Expectations: Reliability is valued; experience helps but is not always required.
2. Retail & Accommodation
- Roles: Checkout operators, retail assistants, hotel housekeeping, cleaners.
- Pay Band: NZD $23–26/hr.
- Migrant Share: ~30%.
- Expectations: High turnover; employers often take on anyone dependable.
3. Agriculture & Horticulture
- Roles: Orchard workers, vineyard staff, packhouse labour.
- Pay Band: NZD $24–27/hr (piece rates may be higher in peak season).
- Migrant Share: Up to 60% at harvest.
- Expectations: No formal skills needed; willingness to do physical outdoor work is key.
4. Seafood & Food Processing
- Roles: Mussel shuckers, fish processors, factory packers.
- Pay Band: NZD $24–26/hr.
- Migrant Share: >50% in some plants.
- Expectations: Entry-level; repetitive and physical, but stable.
5. Aged Care & Support Roles
- Roles: Caregivers, residential support staff.
- Pay Band: NZD $25–28/hr.
- Migrant Share: 25–30%.
- Expectations: Some training preferred, but shortages mean many employers provide on-the-job induction.
Living on the Minimum Wage
- For travellers: Backpackers and working holidaymakers can cover food, rent, and travel while saving modestly. Car-sharing, hostels, or van life keep costs low.
- For families: Two adults on minimum wage (≈NZD $96,000 combined pre-tax) can manage in smaller towns — renting a house, running a car, and raising children is possible in Whanganui, Nelson, or Invercargill, though tighter in big cities.
- In cities: Auckland and Wellington rents consume a larger share of minimum-wage income, making it harder for families without extra support.
International Comparisons (2025)
| Country / Region | Hourly Minimum Wage | Equivalent NZD/hr | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZD $23.15 | $23.15 | High relative to OECD peers |
| USA – New York | USD $16.00 | ≈NZD $27 | Higher, but cost of living is steep |
| USA – California | USD $16.00 | ≈NZD $27 | Similar to NY |
| Canada – Ontario | CAD $17.20 | ≈NZD $20 | Slightly lower |
| UK | GBP £11.44 | ≈NZD $23 | Comparable |
| Germany | EUR €12.41 | ≈NZD $22 | Similar |
| Netherlands | EUR €13.27 | ≈NZD $24 | Slightly higher |
| Norway | Collective agreements | ≈NZD $29–32 | No statutory minimum |
| Switzerland | CHF 22–24 | ≈NZD $41–45 | Exceptionally high |
| Japan | JPY ¥1,004 | ≈NZD $10 | Much lower |
Conclusion: Risks, Benefits & Next Steps
For migrants, the bottom rung of New Zealand’s job market comes with clear risks and benefits:
- Benefits: Easy entry, low skill requirements, flexible hours, and opportunities to fund travel, savings, or education.
- Risks: Limited residency pathways, physically demanding work, and difficulty affording life in big cities on one income.
These jobs aren’t glamorous, but they are essential to NZ’s economy — and for many migrants, they are the first step into a new chapter.
👉 To secure work more confidently and quickly, you can send your CV and job interests to Tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for personalised guidance and support.
Employment for Immigration to New Zealand, Australia and Beyond 